Discover 'Stella'

If you haven’t already discovered ‘Stella’ let me introduce you to my other website ‘Stella Lifestyle Photography’.

‘Stella’ is the lifestyle and automotive side to SMS Creative Photography that launched in 2012 as a result of the relationships built with my studio customers, they were looking for a more individual and bespoke service to cover events and on-going projects.

Commissions from the ‘Stella’ brand take me far and wide - photographing automotive events, such as Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, with Formula One Racing Team, Williams for a Russian luxury lifestyle magazine called Rútage based in London.

I was commissioned to photograph Sergey Sirotkin, a young Russian driver for a feature called ‘Under the Helmet’ a behind the scenes look at him during the pre-race days - the photographs below show the end results of the photographs they chose to feature in the quarterly magazine.

The photograph below resonated with me because amongst the busy and diverse activity at the British Grand Prix there was a moment of calm when the Ferrari engineers stopped work for a few minutes to exercise and stretch, which is all part of their daily routine, I grabbed this shot on my way to a photo-call to remind me there is always time to stop for reflection and relaxation no matter what you are doing!

This link to the Blog section of the ‘Stella’ website tells you more about these events and others.

If you would like to keep up to date with my blogs please feel free to subscribe here.

Thank you!

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Festive Opening Hours 2018

It's at this time of year that I can reflect on the year gone by with a sense of warmth and satisfaction, that I've reached another Christmas milestone with thanks to all of you, my lovely customers, for your custom during the year and over the past 22 years since I opened SMS Creative Photography in 1997. 

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and healthy 2019.

It will soon be time for our annual holiday to relax with family and friends, below are the opening hours during the festive period and a photograph I took in February I have been saving to share with you this winter.

Thank you.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

28 February 2018 - South Bank - London

Seasonal Photo-shoots for 2019

Over the years we have had the pick of enchanting locations for family photo-shoots, from an exclusive Kent vineyard to the Surrey woodlands and a charming private meadow.

Fortunately we are surrounded by picturesque locations that are at their best at different times of year, for example the bluebells are abundant and in full bloom late April early May depending on the rainfall.

In the summertime we are privileged to have access to a stunning private meadow with the backdrop of the North Downs, that flowers for a very short time before it goes to seed and has to be mown, this happens in either June or July, so we have to keep a firm eye out so we don’t miss it!

The vineyard we have very kindly been given permission to use looks stunning from July until harvest time in October, with the dappled light and the rows of vines it’s an awe inspiring backdrop!

The woodlands on our doorstep, on the Surrey and Kent border are available throughout the year for photo-shoots, but look particularly colourful in autumn and winter time with a huge array of interesting spots to choose from.

I also photograph in somewhere a little more personal and intimate, your garden, it doesn’t have to be a grand garden, or a work of art just somewhere you are comfortable to be photographed in, it could be a courtyard or even a flower bed, we can decide on the day of your photo-shoot.

So if any of the above appeals to you for the experience of a photo-shoot for you, your family and your pets, do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you so we can contact you as the seasons unfold so you don’t miss the opportunity that is so often fleeting.

Below is a selection of recent photo-shoots in the various locations to ponder over, or you are welcome to suggest somewhere else that is personal to you and wherever your imagination takes you.

All you need to do is call the studio on 01883 722282 to register your interest, secure a booking or buy a personalised gift voucher or if you prefer you can email us on the ‘Commission Yours’ button below, thank you.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

COMMISSION YOURS

Seasonal Photo-shoots

Countdown to Christmas Gift Inspiration from SMS Creative Photography

With less than 3 weeks to Christmas day I’d like to give you some inspiration and ideas for exclusive Christmas gifts for loved ones, read on and scroll further down to find out more!

Due to the success of our pop-up exhibition last month we have a selection of limited edition photographs in-store by Rock Photographer Bob Gruen, of music icons from the 70s and 80s for the rock music lover in your life, from Debbie Harry to David Bowie and Joe Strummer amongst many others.

We are offering an experience of a family location or studio photo-shoot to enjoy in the New Year 2019 - with a stunning photograph from the shoot in a timeless 10" x 8" silver-plated frame, presented festively boxed just for you or your loved one.

If rock music and family photo-shoots aren't your scene and classic and supercars are you can choose from a collection of limited edition photographs from my exhibition 'A Drive Down Memory Lane'.

New camera or one that's been confined to a draw for a few years?

To help you, or the budding photographer in your life to understand a valued camera better, a photography masterclass experience voucher to use in 2019 could be just the ticket. This link tells you more.

Shop locally this Christmas with your American Express Card from 1st December to 16th December and American Express will credit you £5 for every purchase over £10.

We look forward to welcoming you, we are open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm.

Purchases can also be made over the 'phone on 01883 722282 - thank you!

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Photography Masterclass Experiences - the Ideal Christmas Gift

When I’m not out and about on commissions, I like to reserve some time to pass on some of my expertise and knowledge, to offer one to one photography masterclasses to help others understand their camera better to achieve the best photographs.

I use to teach a group of aspiring photographers with different abilities and cameras, but found it more beneficial to tailor a masterclass experience to individuals, to offer tuition specific to each of their needs, knowledge and camera.

I have found two hours is sufficient to start with to understand the basic theory, and to put this into practice so it becomes more familiar. I always begin on manual mode so the photographer takes control of the camera and not the other way round!

To buy a personalised voucher, festively gift boxed for yourself or a loved one, do get in touch on 01883 722282 - prices start from just £185 - click on the ‘learn more’ button below to see your options.

Stella

Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run - 4 November 2018

On the morning of Sunday 4 November I arrived at Madeira Drive, Brighton to photograph the arrivals of the carriages that travelled the 60-mile journey from Hyde Park London to Brighton.

More than 400 drivers and their passengers set off at 06.59am with the first one arriving at the finishing line at 10.23am.

To read more about my day photographing at the world famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox, simply click on the ‘Read More’ button below which will redirect you to my automotive and lifestyle website - ‘Stella’ which this event comes under.

Thank you!

Stella